Portable lighting system including light tower and inverter having removable battery pack

ABSTRACT

A light tower includes a base having a plurality of wheels, an extendible mast coupled to the base, a battery pack positioned between the wheels and the extendible mast, a housing coupled to the base and having a main battery receiver and a supplemental battery receiver, a light assembly coupled to the extendible mast and electrically coupled to the battery pack, and an inverter configured to receive and convert a direct current power from the battery pack into an alternating current power. The main battery receiver defines an internal cavity having an open top side, and the supplemental battery receiver defines a slot arranged on an exterior of the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/573,779, filed on Jan. 12, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/600,178 filed Oct. 11, 2019, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/744,681, filedOct. 12, 2018, all of which are incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to portableelectrically-powered equipment. More specifically, the presentdisclosure relates to a portable lighting system and a portableinverter.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention relates to a light tower. The lighttower includes a base with a plurality of wheels, an extendible mastcoupled to the base, a battery pack including a plurality of lithium-ionbattery cells, a housing coupled to the base and having a main batteryreceiver and a supplemental battery receiver, a light assembly coupledto the extendible mast and electrically coupled to the battery pack, andan inverter configured to receive and convert a direct current powerfrom the battery pack into an alternating current power. The extendiblemast is configured to move between a lowered position and a raisedposition. The battery pack positioned between the wheels and theextendible mast. The main battery receiver defines an internal cavityhaving an open top side, and the supplemental battery receiver defines aslot arranged on an exterior of the housing.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a light tower. The lighttower includes an extendible mast, a light assembly coupled to the mast,a base having a power input, a portable inverter having a power outputconfigured to provide power, a removable battery pack coupled to theportable inverter, and a stabilizer platform pivotally connected to thebase. The portable inverter is configured to be removably coupled to thebase to connect the power output to the power input to provide powerfrom the portable inverter to the light assembly. The stabilizerplatform is configured to pivot between a raised position and a loweredposition relative to the base. In the raised position, the stabilizerplatform covers the power input. In the lowered position, the powerinput is exposed and the stabilizer platform is configured to stabilizethe base. The portable inverter is supported by the stabilizer platformwhen the power output of the inverter is connected to the power input.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a portable power source. Theportable power source includes a battery pack having a handle and ahousing having a main battery receiver and a supplemental batteryreceiver. The main battery receiver defines an enclosed perimeter sothat when the battery pack is received within the main battery receiver,sidewalls of the battery pack are covered by the enclosed perimeter andthe handle is externally accessible. The supplemental battery receiverdefines an open perimeter so that when the battery pack is receivedwithin the supplemental battery receiver, at least one of the sidewallsof the battery pack is externally exposed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery assembly for use with varioustypes of indoor and outdoor power equipment, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a portion of the battery assembly ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the battery assemblyof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an integrated battery system includingmultiple battery assemblies of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rack charging system includingmultiple battery assemblies of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bench top charging system includingmultiple battery assemblies of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a battery assembly of FIG. 1 and aportable charger, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a plurality of battery assemblies ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inverter, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective views of the inverter of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective views of the inverter of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the inverter of FIG. 9 including approximatedimensions;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the inverter of FIG. 9 including approximatedimensions;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the inverter of FIG. 9 receivinga battery assembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the inverter of FIG. 9 including afirst battery assembly of FIG. 1 and receiving a second battery assemblyof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of the inverter of FIG. 9 includingmultiple battery assemblies of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 16B is a top view of a main battery receiver of the inverter ofFIG. 9 ;

FIG. 16C is a top view of a rear battery receiver of the inverter ofFIG. 9 ;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the inverter of FIG. 16A with afront handle in a raised position;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the inverter of FIG. 17 tiltedforward on a plurality of wheels;

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the inverter of FIG. 17 beingmoved by a user;

FIG. 20 is side perspective view of a user lifting the inverter of FIG.9 using multiple side handles;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of an interface of the inverter ofFIG. 9 ;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the inverter of FIG. 17electrically coupled to a power outlet via a power cord;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the inverter of FIG. 17 being receivedby a light tower, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a rear AC output of the inverter ofFIG. 17 and a AC input of the light tower of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the inverter of FIG. 17electrically coupled to the light tower of FIG. 23 in a deployedposition;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the light tower of FIG. 23 in acompacted position;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the light tower of FIG. 23 in thedeployed position;

FIG. 28 is a front view of the light tower of FIG. 23 in the compactedposition including approximate dimensions;

FIG. 29 is a side view of the light tower of FIG. 23 in the compactedposition including approximate dimensions;

FIG. 30 is a front view of the light tower of FIG. 23 in the deployedposition including approximate dimensions;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the light tower of FIG. 23 in the deployedposition including approximate dimensions;

FIG. 32 is a rear perspective view of a stabilizer platform in a raisedposition and a plurality of stabilizer legs in a lowered position of thelight tower of FIG. 23 in the compacted position.

FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the stabilizer platform in araised position and the plurality of stabilizer legs in a raisedposition of the light tower of FIG. 23 in the compacted position.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a knob of the plurality of stabilizerlegs of FIG. 32 ;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a knob of the stabilizer platform ofFIG. 32 ;

FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of the stabilizer platform in alowered position and the plurality of stabilizer legs in the loweredposition of the light tower of FIG. 23 in the compacted position.

FIG. 37 is a side view of the light tower of FIG. 23 positioned on abackside;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the light tower of FIG. 23 positionedon a backside;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a user moving the light tower of FIG.23 in a rolling position;

FIG. 40 is a rear perspective view of the light tower of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of the AC input of the light towerof FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram of the light tower of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an AC output of the light tower of FIG.23 ;

FIG. 44 is a front view of a first light assembly and a second lightassembly of the light tower of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 45 is a side perspective view of the first light assembly and thesecond light assembly of FIG. 44 in a tilted and turned configuration;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the light tower of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a control panel of the light tower ofFIG. 46 ;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the first light assembly and the secondlight assembly under the control of the control panel of FIG. 47 ; and

FIG. 49 is perspective view of multiple light towers of FIG. 23 suppliedby a single power source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Removable Battery Pack

Referring to FIG. 1 , the battery assembly 100 is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. The battery assembly 100 is removable andrechargeable. The battery assembly 100 is configured to be coupled(e.g., dropped, lowered, placed, slid, inserted, attached) to a batteryreceiver integrated with a piece of equipment and/or a charging station.The battery assembly 100 can be installed into a piece of equipmentvertically, horizontally, or at any angle depending on the need andconstraints of the particular piece of equipment. The battery assembly100 includes a battery pack 105 and optionally, one or more modularportions as described below. In some embodiments, the battery pack 105includes multiple battery cells. The battery cells are Lithium-ionbattery cells. However, other battery types are contemplated, such asnickel-cadmium (NiCD), lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithiumpolymer, etc. The battery assembly 100 yields a voltage of approximately48 Volts (V) and 1500 Watt-hours (Wh) of energy. It is contemplated thatbattery assemblies of other sizes may also be used. The battery assembly100 is also hot-swappable meaning that a drained battery assembly 100can be exchanged for a new battery assembly 100 without completelypowering down connected equipment. As such, downtime between batteryassembly 100 exchanges is eliminated.

The battery assembly 100 can be removed by an operator from a piece ofequipment without the use of tools and recharged using a chargingstation, as described further herein. In this way, the operator may usea second rechargeable battery having a sufficient charge to powerequipment while allowing the first battery to recharge. In addition, thebattery assembly 100 can be used on various types of equipment includingindoor, outdoor, and portable jobsite equipment. Due to its uniformityacross equipment, the battery assembly 100 can also be used as part of arental system, where rental companies who traditionally rent out piecesof equipment can also rent the battery assembly 100 to be used on suchequipment. An operator can rent a battery assembly 100 to use on varioustypes of equipment the operator may own and/or rent and then return thebattery assembly 100 to be used by other operators on an as-neededbasis.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , the battery pack 105 includes an upperportion 150, a lower portion 155, a left side 160, and a right side 165.The battery assembly 100 further includes an upper modular portion 115coupled to the upper portion 150 of the battery pack 105, and lowermodular portions 120, 125 coupled to a lower portion 155 of the batterypack 105 on each of the left and right sides 160, 165. The upper modularportion 115 and lower modular portions 120, 125 are coupled to thebattery pack 105 using fasteners 180 (e.g., bolts, screws). In otherembodiments, the modular portions 115, 120, 125 are coupled to thebattery pack 105 using a snap fit. The lower modular portions 120, 125provide protection to the battery pack 105 and act to absorb or limitthe amount of force the battery pack 105 endures by dropping, etc. Insome embodiments, the battery assembly 100 may not include the uppermodular portion 115 and/or lower modular portions 120, 125 and may bepermanently mounted to a piece of equipment. The upper modular portion115 and lower modular portions 120, 125 are exchangeable andcustomizable such that an operator may chose a different design and/orcolor based on the type or make and model of the equipment with whichthe battery assembly 100 is to be used.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , the upper modular portion 115 includes a casing117 and a handle 110 extending therefrom. The casing 117 surrounds theupper portion 150 of the battery pack 105. The casing 117 includes amating feature 140 positioned proximate the right side 165 of thebattery pack 105. The mating feature 140 includes an opening 170 havingone or more ports 175 positioned therein. The ports 175 are configuredto mate with a charging connector (not shown) on a charging station(e.g., charging systems 200, 400 in FIGS. 5-7 ). The mating feature 140further includes a lock 143 (e.g., latch, clip) configured to couple anddecouple (e.g., lock and unlock) the battery assembly 100 to arespective feature on a charging station and/or a piece of equipment.

The handle 110 includes an outer surface 111 and an inner surface 113positioned nearer the battery pack 105 than the outer surface 111. Theinner surface 113 includes a movable member 135 configured to beoperable by the operator to unlock the battery assembly 100 from acharging station and/or a piece of equipment. When depressed, themovable member 135 moves inward toward the inner surface 113 and movesthe lock 143 out of engagement with a respective feature on a chargingstation and/or piece of equipment. In this way, when an operator graspsthe handle 110, the operator can, at the same time and with the samehand, easily depress the movable member 135 to disengage the batteryassembly 100 from a piece of equipment or charging station.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the battery pack 105 further includes a heat sink145 formed therein proximate the upper portion 150 of the battery pack105. The heat sink 145 acts to regulate the temperature of the batterypack 105 by transferring the heat generated from the battery pack 105 toa fluid medium (e.g., air) where the heat is then dissipated away fromthe battery pack 105. As shown in FIG. 2 , the heat sink 145 is a coldplate heat sink, although other forms of heat sinks may be used.

Referring to FIG. 4 , multiple battery assemblies 100 can be used in anintegrated battery system 190. An integrated battery system 190 can beused on a piece of equipment that requires more battery power than onebattery assembly 100 provides. The integrated battery system 190includes multiple battery receptacles 191 each having an opening 193.The battery receptacles 191 include partial walls 189 that includeprotrusions 187. The battery pack 105 includes one or more slots 185(e.g., slits, niches) formed proximate the lower portion 155. The slots185 are configured to engage the protrusions 187 (e.g., tabs) on theintegrated battery system 190. The slots 185 and protrusions 187 areconfigured to engage with each other and align a battery pack 105 intoeach of the receptacles 191. A battery assembly 100 is slid into each ofthe battery receptacles 191 (e.g., each slot 185 receiving a protrusion187) and connected via the mating feature 140 and ports 175 to a centralpower cord 197 via intermediate connectors 195 formed in the batteryreceptacles 191. The central power cord 197 may be connected to acharging station.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a rack charging system 200 is shown, according toone embodiment. The rack charging system 200 includes a rack 205 and oneor more charging receivers 220 having battery receptacles 225. The oneor more battery assemblies 100 are inserted into the battery receptacles225 to be charged. When inserted, the battery assemblies 100 areelectrically coupled to the charging receivers 220 (e.g., via ports 175shown in FIG. 3 ) which are electrically coupled to a utility powersource, such as an electrical cord 210 plugged directly into a poweroutlet 215. In some embodiments, the charging receivers 220 may beconfigured to work with multiple types of utility power, as required.For example, the charging receivers 220 may be coupled to 120 VACservice, 240 VAC service, or even 480 VAC service to allow for multiplebatteries to be charged. The rack charging system 200 may include powerconverters to transform the utility power to the proper voltage andcurrent levels required to charge the one or more battery assemblies100. The rack charging system 200 may further include one or morecontrollers configured to ensure proper charging of all the batteryassemblies 100 received by the rack charging system 200. When anoperator and/or employee desires to remove one of the battery assemblies100, the handle 110 of the battery assembly 100 is grasped, the movablemember 135 is engaged (e.g., squeezed, pushed in), the lock 143 (FIG. 1) is moved out of engagement with the battery receptacle 225, and thebattery assembly 100 is removed by sliding the battery assembly 100 outof the receptacle 225. The battery assemblies 100 may also includevisual indicators showing a battery charge level, etc. Using the rackcharging system 200, the battery assembly 100 will fully charge inapproximately 1 hour.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a bench top charging system 400 is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. The bench top charging system 400includes a receptacle housing 405 having multiple battery receptacles425. One or more battery assemblies 100 are inserted into the batteryreceptacles 425 to be charged. When inserted, the battery assemblies 100are electrically coupled to the battery receptacles 425 (e.g., via ports175 shown in FIG. 3 ), which are electrically coupled to a utility powersource, such as an electrical cord 410 plugged directly into a poweroutlet 415. When an operator and/or employee desires to remove one ofthe battery assemblies 100, the handle 110 of the battery assembly 100is grasped, the movable member 135 (FIG. 1 ) is engaged (e.g.,depressed, squeezed, pushed in), the lock 143 (FIG. 1 ) is moved out ofengagement with the battery receptacle 425, and the battery assembly 100is removed by sliding the battery assembly 100 out of the receptacle425. Each battery assembly 100 includes a visual indicator or display420 showing battery charge level, among other battery healthindications. The visual indicator or display 420 may indicate differentcolors for different levels of battery charge. For example, the visualindicator or display 420 may use a red color to denote that the batteryis not fully charged and a green color to denote that the battery isfully charged. Using the bench top charging system 400, the batteryassembly 100 will fully charge in approximately 1 hour.

In some embodiments, the rack charging system 200 and/or the bench topcharging system 400 use sequential charging while charging multiplebattery assemblies 100. Sequential charging includes charging differentbattery assemblies 100 at different times so that not all batteryassemblies 100 are charged at once potentially resulting in an overloadon the utility service system. The sequential charging may determinewhich battery assemblies 100 need to be charged more than others bymonitoring the charge levels of all connected battery assemblies 100 andsupply charge to those assemblies 100 while switching off power supplyto battery assemblies 100 that may already be fully charged.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a portable charger 192 for use with the batteryassembly 100 is shown, according to one embodiment. The portable charger192 may be plugged into the ports 175 and into a power outlet to providecharging to the battery assembly 100. Using the portable charger 192,the battery assembly 100 will fully charge in approximately 4 hours.

In addition to the charging systems described above, the batteryassembly 100 can also be charged while inserted on the equipment or toolon which the battery assembly 100 is used. A user can leave the batteryassembly 100 inserted and plug the equipment or tool into an outlet tocharge the battery assembly 100. In this embodiment, the charging systemis included with the tool or equipment such that no external charger isnecessary.

Portable Inverter

Referring to FIGS. 8-9 , a perspective view of a set of batteryassemblies 100 and an inverter 600 are shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment. The inverter 600 is configured to be portable and to receiveand convert a direct current (DC) power from one or more batteryassemblies 100 into an alternating current (AC) power through thecircuitry of an electrical inverter for use in various applications(e.g., powering indoor and outdoor power equipment). For example, theinverter 600 may use the battery assemblies 100 to power a light tower,such as the light tower shown and described with reference to FIGS.23-49 .

Referring to FIGS. 10-25 , various views of the inverter 600 are shown,according to some embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 10-11 , perspectiveviews of the inverter 600 are shown. The inverter 600 may include atleast a front handle 605, side handles 610, wheels 615, a pivot assistbar 620, an interface 625, a main battery receiver 630, rear batteryreceivers 635, a rear AC output 640, and bottom tracks 645.

Referring to FIGS. 12-13 , dimensional views of the inverter 600 areshown, according to some embodiments. The inverter 600 may have a height601 that is substantially 19 inches. The height 601 spans from a bottomof the wheels 615 to a top of the front handle 605. The inverter 600 mayhave a width 602 that is substantially 19 inches. The width 602 spansfrom an opposing left side and right side of a housing of the inverter600. The inverter 600 may have a depth 603 that is substantially 16.5inches. The depth 603 spans from an opposing front side and rear side ofthe housing of the inverter 600. The front handle 605 may have a width604 that is substantially 14.5 inches. The width 604 spans from anopposing left side and right side of the front handle 605. The wheels615 may have an outer diameter 607 that is substantially 6 inches. Theinverter 600 may have a height 608 that is substantially 15.5 inches.The height 608 spans from an opposing top side and bottom side of thehousing of the inverter 600.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16C, various views of the inverter 600 couplingwith the battery assemblies 100 are shown, according to someembodiments. The inverter 600 may convert the DC power from the batteryassemblies 100 into the AC power used for powering equipment. The mainbattery receiver 630 may be configured to receive the battery assembly100. The mating feature 140 on the battery assembly 100 may beconfigured to couple to an interior of the main battery receiver 630.The main battery receiver 630 may be electronically coupled to theinverter 600, and the inverter 600 may use the DC power from the batteryassembly located in the main battery receiver 630 as a power source.

The rear battery receivers 635 may be configured to receive the batteryassemblies 100. The mating feature 140 on the battery assemblies 100 maybe configured to couple to an exterior of the rear battery receivers635. The battery assemblies 100 located on the rear battery receivers635 may be used as backup power sources for the inverter 600. If thebattery assembly 100 located inside the main battery receiver 630 isdepleted of energy, one of the battery assemblies 100 located on therear battery receivers 635 may be hot-swapped into the main batteryreceiver 630.

The main battery receiver 630 is a “closed” battery receiver 631 havinga perimeter 632 that is closed and fully surrounds a battery assembly100 coupled to the main battery receiver 630. The rear battery receivers635 are “open” battery receivers 636 having a perimeter 637 that definesa gap 638 (e.g., opening) and partially surrounds a battery assembly 100coupled to the rear battery receiver 635. The open battery receiver 636has a smaller footprint than the closed battery receiver 631 when abattery assembly 100 is not coupled to the battery receiver.

Referring to FIGS. 17-19 , various examples of moving the inverter 600using the front handle 605 and the wheels 615 are shown, according tosome embodiments. The front handle 605 may be extendable and collapsiblewith a locking mechanism used to maintain a height of the front handle605. The locking mechanism can be disengaged using a front handlerelease 606 located on a top of the front handle 605. For example, thefront handle release 606 must be activated (e.g., pressed, squeezed,pushed) to be able to raise or lower the handle 605. The front handle605 may be used to move the inverter 600 (e.g., to transport, tomaneuver).

A user may activate front handle release 606 and extend the front handle605. The user may then tilt the inverter 600 forward into a rollingposition that allows the inverter 600 to be rolled around via the wheels615. The pivot assist bar 620 may or may not be used in this process. Touse the pivot assist bar 620, the user may step down onto the pivotassist bar 620 to assist in tilting the inverter 600 into the rollingposition.

Referring to FIG. 20 , an example of moving the inverter 600 using theside handles 610 is shown, according to some embodiments. The sidehandles 610 may provide the user an alternative method of moving theinverter 600. The side handles 610 can be configured to allow the userto pick up (e.g., carry, lift) the inverter 600. For example, if thereis difficult terrain, the user may wish to carry the inverter 600 usingthe side handles 610 as opposed to rolling the inverter using the fronthandle 605 and the wheels 615. The user may use the side handles 610 tolift the inverter 600 into a vehicle. The battery assemblies 100 may beremoved from the main battery receiver 630 and/or the rear batteryreceivers 635 to lessen the weight of the lift for the user.

Referring to FIGS. 21-22 , a detailed view of the interface 625 isshown, according to some embodiments. The interface 625 may include atleast one of a display, a user interface, and various inputs and outputs(I/O). The interface 625 may include a display screen 660. The displayscreen 660 may be configured to display information. For example, thedisplay 660 may display a clock time, a battery run time, a remainingbattery life, a power output, an indication of low battery charge,and/or any other appropriate information.

The interface 625 may include a charging input 650, a DC output 670, oneor more AC outputs 675, and one or more USB outputs 680. The charginginput 650 may be configured to receive power from a 120 Volt AC powersource (e.g., a power outlet 690 via a power cord 685 in FIG. 22 ). Thecharging input 650 may be configured to directly charge the batteryassembly 100 located inside the main battery receiver 630. The abilityto charge the battery assembly while inside the inverter 600 prevents aneed to remove the battery assembly 100 from the inverter 600 to chargeexternally (e.g., charging systems 200, 400 in FIGS. 5-7 , portablecharger 192 in FIG. 7 ).

The DC output 670 may be configured to be a 12 Volt DC power source. TheDC output 670 may be configured to draw DC power directly from thebattery assembly 100, without the need to be converted to AC power usingthe inverter 600. The DC power from the DC output 670 may be used topower electronic equipment (e.g., a lighter receptacle, a portable GPSdevice, a mobile phone, etc.).

The one or more AC outputs 675 may be configured to be a 120 Volt ACpower source. The inverter 600 may convert the DC power from the batteryassembly 100 into an AC power. The AC power converted by the inverter600 may be accessed at the one or more AC outputs 675. The AC power fromthe one or more AC outputs 675 may be used to power indoor and outdoorpower equipment (e.g., light towers, space heaters, speakers, powertools, etc.).

The one or more USB outputs 680 may be configured to act as a 5 Volt DCpower source. The one or more USB outputs 680 may be configured to drawDC power directly from the battery assembly 100, without the need to beconverted to AC power using the inverter 600. The DC power from the oneor more USB outputs 680 may be used to power small electronic equipment(e.g., a mobile phone, a small fan, a small battery pack, etc.).

Still referring to FIGS. 21-22 , the interface 625 may include a powerbutton 665 and a display selection button 655. The power button 665 maybe configured to control the power output from the inverter 600. Forexample, a user may be able activate the power button 665 to toggle thepower output from the DC output 670, the one or more AC outputs 675, andthe one or more USB outputs 680. The user may do this to preservebattery charge from the battery assembly 100 located inside the mainbattery receiver 630. The user may also no longer require the use of thepower from the inverter 600, so the power button 665 is used to togglethe power output off.

The display selection button 655 may be configured be activated to cycle(e.g., navigate) through various information displayed on the displayscreen 660. For example, the display screen 660 may show the batterylife of the battery assembly 100, and the user may use the displayselection button 655 to navigate to information showing the battery runtime.

Referring to FIGS. 23-25 , the inverter 600 is shown as a power sourceto a light tower 800. The inverter 600 is configured to interface with astabilizer platform 805. The bottom tracks 645 are configured to guideand secure (e.g., hold in place) the inverter 600 from moving laterallyon the stabilizer platform 805. The rear AC output 640 (e.g. a plug) isconfigured to deliver a 120 Volt AC power and pivot between an openposition and a closed position. In the open position, the rear AC output640 is configured to couple with an AC input 810 located at a front sideof a base 801 of the light tower 800. The AC input 810 is configured tobe covered (e.g., hidden, obstructed) by the stabilizer platform 805when the stabilizer platform 805 is in a raised position. For example, auser may situate the stabilizer platform 805 in a lowered position touncover (e.g., expose) the AC input 810. When the inverter 600 is placedonto the stabilizer platform 805 along the bottom tracks 645, the rearAC output 640 may couple with the AC input 810. The light tower 800includes a base mast segment 835 that fits into a gap defined by the twobattery assemblies 100 coupled to the rear battery receivers 635. Inthis position, the inverter 600 and the battery assemblies 100 may actas a counterweight to stabilize the light tower 800 from tipping (e.g.,from wind, jarring, etc.).

The light tower 800 is configured to accept the inverter 600 with orwithout battery assemblies 100 coupled to the main battery receiver 630and the rear battery receivers 635. The inverter 600 may act as a powersource for the light tower 800. The AC input 810 is configured toreceive the 120 Volt AC power from the rear AC output 640. With the mainbattery receiver 630 and the rear battery receivers 635 all containing abattery assembly 100 and hot-swapping out depleted battery assemblies100, the inverter may be able to power the light tower 800 for up to 6.5hours at maximum brightness.

Light Tower

Referring now to FIGS. 26-49 , various view of a light tower 800 areshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 26-27 ,perspective views of the light tower 800 are shown, according to someembodiments. The light tower 800 may include at least a base 801, astabilizer platform 805, an AC input 810, a handle 820, a control panel825, stabilizer legs 830, a base mast segment 835, an intermediate mastsegment 840, a terminal mast segment 845, a pulley 850, a first lightassembly 855, and a second light assembly 860. The base 801 may includea frame 802, a baseplate 803, and one or more wheels 815. The lighttower 800 may be configured in a compacted position (FIG. 26 ) or adeployed position (FIG. 27 ).

Referring to FIGS. 28-31 , dimensional views of the light tower 800 areshown, according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIGS. 28-29 show afront view and a side view of the light tower 800 in the compactedposition and FIGS. 30-31 show a front view and a side view of the lighttower 800 in the deployed position. In the compacted position, the lighttower 800 may have a height 901 that is substantially 60 inches, a width902 that is substantially 18 inches, and a depth 903 that issubstantially 18 inches. In the deployed position, the light tower 800may have a height 906 that is substantially 120 inches, a width 904 thatis substantially 50 inches, and a depth 905 that is substantially 54inches. The light tower 800 may be configured to have a height that isbetween 60 inches and 120 inches by raising and lowering the mastsegments.

Referring to FIGS. 32-36 , the stabilizer platform 805 and stabilizerlegs 830 are shown in compacted and deployed positions, according tosome embodiments. The stabilizer legs may be configured to pivot betweena raised position or a lowered position relative to the base 801. In thelowered position, the stabilizer legs 830 are configured to support thelight tower 800 from tipping (e.g., from wind, jarring, etc.). Thestabilizer legs 830 include knobs 870. The knobs 870 are configured tosecure the stabilizer legs 830 in the lowered position (e.g., to preventfrom raising). The knobs 830 may be either tightened or loosened toeither secure or release the stabilizer legs 830, respectively.

The stabilizer platform 805 may be configured to pivot between a raisedposition or a lowered position relative to the base 801. In the loweredposition, the stabilizer platform 805 is configured to support the lighttower 800 from tipping (e.g., from wind, jarring, etc.). The stabilizerplatform 805 includes a knob 875. The knob 875 is configured to securethe stabilizer platform 805 in the lowered position (e.g., to preventfrom raising). The knob 835 may be either tightened or loosened toeither secure or release the stabilizer platform 805, respectively. Forexample, the knob 835 must be in a loosened position to either raise orlower the stabilizer platform 805. The AC input 810 is configured to becovered (e.g., hidden, obstructed) by the stabilizer platform 805 whenthe stabilizer platform 805 is in the raised position. This can preventa user from powering the light tower 800 unless at least the stabilizerplatform 805 is lowered. In some embodiments, the knobs 870 and 875 arethe same type of knob.

Referring to FIGS. 37-40 , various examples of the light tower 800 beingmoved are shown, according to some embodiments. The light tower 800 maybe configured to be positioned on a backside (e.g., laying down) of thelight tower 800 on the handle 820 and the wheels 815 (FIGS. 31-38 ). Arear surface of the handle 820 and the wheels 815 define a horizontalplane 821 when the rear surface of the handle 820 contacts a groundsurface. The horizontal plane 821 may allow the light tower 800 to reston the backside. When positioned on the backside, the light tower 800may be able to be stored in the back of a vehicle, for example.

The light tower 800 may be configured to be moved (e.g., rolled,maneuvered) using the handle 820 and the wheels 815. For example, a usermay tilt the light tower 800 rearward into a rolling position (FIG. 39 )that allows the light tower 800 to be rolled around via the wheels 815.The handle 820 may also be used to store (e.g., hang, wrap) items (FIG.40 ). For example, the user may choose to hang a power cord around thehandle 820.

Referring to FIGS. 41-43 , systems of the light tower 800 are shown,according to some embodiments. The AC input 810 is configured to receivea 120 Volt AC power from the rear AC output 640 of the inverter 600 orfrom another power source (e.g., a power outlet). The AC output 811 maybe the same or similar to a standard power outlet in terms of poweroutput and voltage. In some embodiments, the AC output 811 may be usedto daisy-chain multiple light towers together (FIG. 49 ).

The light tower is shown to include at least LED drivers 880, powersupply 885, and actuator 890. The LED drivers 880 may be configured todrive LED lights in the first light assembly 855 and the second lightassembly 860 in response to an indication from the control panel 825(FIGS. 47-48 ). The power supply may be configured to provide a 12 Voltpower source to any electronics located within the light tower 800.

The actuator 890 may be configured to raise and lower the intermediatemast segment 840 in response to an indication from the control panel 825(FIGS. 46-47 ). In some embodiments, the intermediate mast segment 840may be raised and lowered by manual methods (e.g., hand crank). Thepulley 850 is fixedly coupled to the intermediate mast segment 845 witha cable fixedly coupled to each the base mast segment 835 and theterminal mast segment 845. As the actuator 890 raises the intermediatemast segment, a force is induced on the cable. The force on the cablecauses the terminal mast segment to raise or lower along with theintermediate mast segment. In some embodiments, this is referred to as atelescopic mast.

Referring to FIGS. 44-45 , a tilt function and a turn function of thelight assemblies of the light tower 800 is shown, according to someembodiments. The first light assembly 855 and the second light assembly860 each include a handle 865. The handles 865 may be configured tosecure the first light assembly 855 and the second light assembly 860 inplace (e.g., prevent from tilting up or down). The handles 865 may beeither tightened or loosened to either secure or release the lightfixtures. With the handles 865 loosened, the first light assembly 855and the second light assembly 860 may be able to tilt upwards ordownwards. The first light assembly 855 and the second light assembly860 may be configured to turn to either a left side or a right side.Tilting and turning the light assemblies allow for a user to position alight emitted.

Referring now to FIGS. 46-48 , functions of the control panel 825 areshown, according to some embodiments. The control panel 825 is shown toinclude at least a second light control 826, a first light control 827,and a mast control 828. The first light control 827 and second lightcontrol 826 may be configured to control the LED drivers 880 to driveLED lights in the first light assembly 855 and the second light assembly860. A user may be able to toggle on or off and control the intensity(e.g., brightness) of the LED lights in the first light assembly 855 andthe second light assembly 860. The first light assembly 855 and thesecond light assembly 860 may each be configured to draw 320 Watts ofpower at maximum intensity.

The mast control 828 may be configured to control the actuator 890 toraise and lower the intermediate mast segment 840. The mast control 828may be configured to be toggled or held in an up or a down position. Theup position may raise the actuator 890 and the down position may lowerthe actuator 890. In some embodiments, the intermediate mast segment 840may be raised and lowered by manual methods (e.g., hand crank). Thepulley 850 is fixedly coupled to the intermediate mast segment 845 witha cable fixedly coupled to each the base mast segment 835 and theterminal mast segment 845. As the actuator 890 raises the intermediatemast segment, a force is induced on the cable. The force on the cablecauses the terminal mast segment to raise or lower along with theintermediate mast segment. In some embodiments, this is referred to as atelescopic mast.

Referring to FIG. 49 , an example of multiple light towers 800 are showndaisy-chained together, according to some embodiments. The light towers800 may receive power from a single source, shown as a power outlet 900,and transfer power between the other light towers 800 via power cords895. For example, a user may provide power to an AC input 810 from afirst light tower 800 using a rear AC output 640 of an inverter 600 orfrom another power source, such as the power outlet 900. From an ACoutput 811 from the first light tower 800, a power cord 895 may beconnected to an AC input 810 of a next light tower 800. This may berepeated for any appropriate number of light towers 800.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited inthe appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, asused herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicatethat such embodiments are possible examples, representations, orillustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intendedto connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary orsuperlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g.,removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled toeach other using a separate intervening member and any additionalintermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two memberscoupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If“coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term(e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” providedabove is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term(e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without anyseparate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition thanthe generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may bemechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and notin its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements,the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that anelement may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z(e.g., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive languageis not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each bepresent, unless otherwise indicated.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of variouselements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation ofvarious elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order ofmethod steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depictedand described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unlessspecified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, onthe software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. Allsuch variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations of the described methods could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps, and decision steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light tower, comprising: a base including aplurality of wheels; an extendible mast coupled to the base, wherein theextendible mast is configured to move between a lowered position and araised position; a battery pack including a plurality of lithium-ionbattery cells, the battery pack positioned between the plurality ofwheels and the extendible mast; a housing coupled to the base andincluding a main battery receiver and a supplemental battery receiver,wherein the main battery receiver defines an internal cavity having anopen top side, and wherein the supplemental battery receiver defines aslot arranged on an exterior of the housing; a light assembly coupled tothe extendible mast and electrically coupled to the battery pack; and aninverter configured to receive and convert a direct current power fromthe battery pack into an alternating current power.
 2. The light towerof claim 1, further comprising a user device configured to displaybattery information to a user, wherein the battery information includesat least one of a clock time, a battery run time, a remaining batterylife, a power output, an indication of low battery charge.
 3. The lighttower of claim 1, wherein the light assembly includes a plurality oflight emitting diodes that are electrically coupled to the battery pack.4. The light tower of claim 3, further comprising one or more dimmingdrivers coupled to the light assembly and configured to change abehavior of light emitting diodes.
 5. The light tower of claim 4,wherein the one or more dimming drivers are light emitting diodedrivers.
 6. The light tower of claim 1, wherein a power supplied by thebattery pack is equal to or less than 320 watts.
 7. The light tower ofclaim 1, further comprising a power input receptacle configured toreceive a power input from a power source.
 8. The light tower of claim7, wherein the power input receptacle is further configured to provideelectricity to charge the battery pack.
 9. The light tower of claim 7,wherein the battery pack is a removable battery pack configured to begraspable and removable from the light tower.
 10. A light tower,comprising: an extendible mast; a light assembly coupled to theextendable mast; a base including a power input; a portable invertercomprising a power output configured to provide power; a battery packcoupled to the portable inverter, wherein the portable inverter isconfigured to be removably coupled to the base to connect the poweroutput to the power input to provide power from the portable inverter tothe light assembly; and a stabilizer platform pivotally connected to thebase, the stabilizer platform configured to pivot between a raisedposition and a lowered position relative to the base, wherein in theraised position, the stabilizer platform covers the power input, whereinin the lowered position, the power input is exposed and the stabilizerplatform is configured to stabilize the base, and wherein the portableinverter is supported by the stabilizer platform when the power outputof the inverter is connected to the power input.
 11. The light tower ofclaim 10, wherein the stabilizer platform is further configured toreceive and secure the inverter, wherein the inverter is configured tocouple with the power input.
 12. The light tower of claim 10, furthercomprising at least one stabilizer leg, the at least one stabilizer legbeing configured to pivot between a raised position or a loweredposition relative to the base.
 13. The light tower of claim 10, furthercomprising a control panel including: a light control, the light controlconfigured to adjust a brightness of the light assembly; and a mastcontrol, the mast control configured to raise and lower a height of theextendable mast within a range of heights.
 14. The light tower of claim10, wherein the light assembly includes a plurality of light emittingdiodes that are electrically coupled to the battery pack.
 15. The lighttower of claim 14, further comprising a dimming driver coupled to thelight assembly and configured to adjust a brightness of the plurality oflight emitting diodes.
 16. A portable power source, comprising: abattery pack including a handle; a housing including a main batteryreceiver and a supplemental battery receiver, wherein the main batteryreceiver defines an enclosed perimeter so that when the battery pack isreceived within the main battery receiver, sidewalls of the battery packare covered by the enclosed perimeter and the handle is externallyaccessible, and wherein the supplemental battery receiver defines anopen perimeter so that when the battery pack is received within thesupplemental battery receiver, at least one of the sidewalls of thebattery pack is externally exposed.
 17. The portable power source ofclaim 16, further comprising an inverter configured to receive andconvert a direct current power from the battery pack into an alternatingcurrent power.
 18. The portable power source of claim 16, furthercomprising a user device configured to display battery information to auser, wherein the battery information includes at least one of a clocktime, a battery run time, a remaining battery life, a power output, anindication of low battery charge.
 19. The portable power source of claim16, wherein a footprint of the supplemental battery receiver is smallerthan a footprint of the main battery receiver.
 20. The portable powersource of claim 16, further comprising a front handle coupled to thehousing.